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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital element of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.

Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.

The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood heater stove fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.

Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. For wood burning fireplace instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and wood burning fireplace formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or in the home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible materials, such as curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If contemporary wood burning stoves doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when shed wood burner is not properly treated. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually checked for any blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.